Windows Blue released to developers in June, to consumers through Windows Store

Windows Blue, the somewhat quick follow-up to Windows 8 otherwise known as Windows 8.1, will be released to developers in June. Windows division head Julie Larson-Green made the announcement today at the Wired Business Conference. She also officially confirmed that a public preview of 8.1 will be available during Microsoft’s Build Conference, which takes place from June 26-28 this year.

So far, Windows 8.1 speculation has been running rampant — perhaps in part because it’s a major upgrade to a Microsoft operating system, but perhaps because Windows 8 hasn’t had the best public perception for some time now, and people are clamoring for something viewed as better. One of the most anticipated features rumored to appear in the final build, is that the OS will provide you with the option to skip the Start Screen, allowing you to boot straight to the desktop without outside help.

Recent leaked builds of Windows 8.1 have revealed that the OS will have more customization options, including themes and colors. It will also bring more options to the formerly-known-as-Metro UI settings panel, some of which were only previously accessible by launching into desktop mode.

In somewhat of an Apple-like fashion, Microsoft also stated that the Windows 8.1 upgrade will be available to consumers in the Windows Store, rather than through a standard update. The company did not give a solid date for the consumer release, so if you’re tired of dealing with Windows 8 but want to stick with the Windows environment, a possible way out may not be too far away.